Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 3rd, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada llarson, Avalanche Canada

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Wind slabs can still be found in isolated features, like steep, rocky, and lee terrain. Don't commit to a steep slope if it looks wind-affected or feels dense or stiff.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in the area. The likelihood of rider-triggered avalanches has decreased but you could still trigger small wind slabs in isolated terrain features.

Snowpack Summary

Clear, sunny skies have developed a thin crust on sun-exposed slopes. In wind-exposed terrain wind slabs formed by recent southwest winds are likely bonding. A hard melt-freeze crust below 2000 m is buried at variable depths between 0 - 20 cm depending on elevation.

The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated and sits above weak, faceted snow near the ground.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy skies with isolated flurries, 10 to 20 km/h southwest wind, and treeline temperature -10 °C

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, 20 to 40 km/h west wind, treeline temperature -10 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy skies, increasing through the day with isolated flurries, light west winds, treeline high temperatures -5 °C

Friday

Mostly cloudy skies, trace amounts of snow, 20 to 30 km/h westerly winds, and treeline temperature - 5º C

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may still be found in steep, lee terrain features on north and east facing slopes.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 4th, 2023 4:00PM